Sonic announce Wyse Technology partnership

Sonic Solutions has entered into a marketing agreement with Wyse Technology, the domain experts in server-centric computing (SCC), to integrate AuthorScript, Sonic’s DVD recording and playback technology with the Wyse IPV500 set top box (STB) hardware platform.
Targeted at original equipment manufacturers and original design manufacturers (OEM/ODM), the Wyse IPV500 is based on the Intel digital set top box reference design for viewing and storing digital media, and Sonic’s AuthorScript adds the key functions of DVD recording and DVD playback to the Wyse design. The IPV500 is targeted at companies seeking to develop consumer electronics/commercial products or introduce new services to stream-quality media from the Web or a local server onto televisions in ‘digital living rooms.’ Wyse plans to release the IPV500 with the option of adding Sonic’s AuthorScript DVD technology to OEMs and ODMs this quarter.
“As the world’s most popular consumer electronics format, DVD is a cornerstone of any new video set top device,” said Jeff McNaught, Vice President of Market Strategy at Wyse Technology. “In adding technology for DVD recoding and playback to our reference design, Sonic was an obvious choice for us. The combination of their technology with our STB platform will give our OEM/ODM customers the ability to create DVD-savvy IP set top boxes that offer video-on-demand and digital video recording as well as DVD playback and burning.”
The Wyse IPV500 set top box capitalises on Wyse’s expertise in server-centric computing. It allows users to stream or download content from web-based entertainment providers, giving them immediate access to content at the time of request. The IPV500 incorporates the Intel Architecture DSTB815 reference design for viewing and storing digital media and adds Sonic AuthorScript for DVD playback and recording. The IPV500 can be set up to run the Windows or Linux operating system.
Sonic’s industry-leading AuthorScript DVD recording and playback engine will be available with the Wyse IPV500 STB, enabling it to record content from its optional hard disc to DVD, so that recorded television, personal video, photos and music can be played back on any DVD player, PC, or laptop PC with a DVD drive. The Sonic AuthorScript family of media recording, transcoding, and playback technologies is compatible with the Windows and Linux operating systems, giving Wyse customers a choice in software implementation.
“We are delighted to be working with Wyse as they roll out their IPV500,” said Jim Taylor, General Manager of Sonic’s Advanced Technology Group. “As consumers build libraries of valuable personal video, audio tracks, and photos on their set top box, they need to make safe backups, free up hard drive space for new content, and create personalized CDs and DVDs. With AuthorScript, Wyse can make all of this possible.”
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